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For this year, Atsumu and Osamu thought it would be fun to host a New Year’s Eve party and invite anyone who’s anyone. That includes family, relatives, and friends willing to make an appearance. They promised everyone that it would be the first night of the rest of their lives. And when the twins say this, you know they meant every word of it. So when they sent out the invitations, it was all cool and casual, no biggie like a “Sure, I’ll be there!” or a “There better be drinks!”. A couple of emails and texts were sent around. Everyone was already looking forward to the party and the twins immediately began planning.
However, Atsumu was still waiting for one person to reply or else, he warned Osamu, he’ll cancel everything. It was quite the move but not a surprising one.
“Are you sure Kita-san hasn’t replied to you, Samu? Have you checked your emails? How about your texts? Maybe you should start filtering out all the texts you get for Kita-san. Or maybe you should tell him in person. When is he going to visit your shop?” Atsumu whined over the phone. He still has his last few training sessions for the year in Osaka before he heads out to Hyogo with his teammates. During his breaks, he would call Osamu to ask the same questions again and again.
“Are you done?” Osamu nonchalantly responded to his twin. With his voice, it’s evident that he’s trying to temper down his annoyance.
“No? Didn’t you hear what I just said? I’m asking, has Kita-san repli-” He spoke in a louder voice that made Osamu drop the call. “What the fuck?” Appalled, he said after looking at his phone screen and only seeing his lock screen. Atsumu was about to dial him back but he received a string of messages from his twin. It read:
Osamu
stop bothering me im VERY busy
Osamu
no txt or reply from kita-san. will ask him in person tmrw.
Atsumu isn’t sure if that puts him at ease. All he knows is that he really wants to see Kita-san at that party. One of his excuses for wanting to see Kita-san so badly is that the team wouldn’t feel complete without him. Or another one is that Kita-san’s presence would bring in the luck he needs for the new year. Or you know, the truth is that Atsumu has a massive crush (maybe even closer to the big I-N-L-O-V-E word) on Kita-san and that this party is just one big excuse to see him.
Osamu has been sharing his anecdotes at the onigiri shop casually including Kita and he’s quite jealous of him actually seeing his crush casually.“Better luck next time!” His twin would tease him when he visited the main branch in Hyogo just a few short hours after missing Kita. With his chances, Atsumu is quite awful with timing. So yeah, this party might be one of his only bigger chances to see Kita-san. He can’t miss that.
All these doubts were put to sleep when Osamu texted him the next day confirming Kita’s acceptance of their invitation.
Osamu
Kita-san delivered rice 2day he said he’d go to the party nd he even asked if he shld bring something ;)
Suddenly, the days seemed longer and all he could think of was New Year’s Eve.
The preparations went smoothly. It wasn’t something that they weren’t used to from their high school days and it was just going to be a simple celebration of family and friends. Atsumu together with the MSBY Black Jackals headed to Hyogo a day before and the team booked their rooms in the nearby hostel so as not to crowd the house. Osamu was in charge of the catering services and other food preparations. A few decorations here and there and of course, making the spotless was left to Atsumu. They didn’t want to disappoint and spoil the guests’ new year.
They said the party would start at 9 in the evening and people slowly came one by one. Atsumu was nervous, alright. He would persistently look back and forth by the door or would frantically move around every time he heard the doorbell. He knew the person he was expecting the most, as Osamu would call him—the guest of honor, would arrive on time without fail.
And because Kita-san is Kita-san, he was one of the first people to arrive carrying a box of mochi in hand. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt with black slacks under his scarf and a large winter coat.
Atsumu made his way near the genkan to greet Kita and properly welcome him to his home. “Kita-san!” With a firm voice, he called.
“‘Tsumu.” Shinsuke gently spoke and smiled at the fellow. “Thank you for inviting me.” He continued.
Atsumu wondered if it was just the fluorescent that hung right above them or if Kita-san got a tan? Is it from his work at the farm? He seemed to glow in a soft light that complimented him a lot. He looked so good. Atsumu could stare, no, is staring at him with such adoration. Or was it because he missed him a lot that perhaps, everything seemed different and new yet still so familiar to him?
“No, no.” He shook his head whilst smiling, “It’s actually an honor to have you spend the new year with us, Kita-san!”
Confused, Atsumu didn’t know where to put his hands. Was he supposed to hug Kita? Or pat his back? He settled by reaching out his hand to shake the other’s. Kita gripped firmly in acceptance. They stood there in silence smiling at each other and awkwardly shaking hands until a voice asked between them, “Am I interrupting something here?”
Looking over to who spoke, Atsumu exclaimed and shyly let go of Kita-san's hand. “Aran-kun! I missed ya!”
“We just saw each other last week!”
“Nice to see you, Aran.” Kita greeted and he turns to Atsumu, “I got you guys a box of mochi.” He said lifting the box.
“Thank you, thank you! I’ll put this at the table. Uh, also, I can take your coats and scarves to keep meanwhile.”
So they walked past the genkan and into the lively house. It was slowly getting filled with more guests. Across the hall, a voice calls for Atsumu, perhaps a relative hoping to catch up with him. He glanced at his two friends hesitant to leave them this early. “Looks like they’re calling you.” Aran gestured behind like saying “It’s alright. We don’t mind.”
The relative called for another time. “Okay, okay. I’ll be back and I’ll catch up with you guys later. Help yourselves to the food and drinks we have prepared and the others will probably arrive anytime soon.” He started walking back towards the hall to the other room. Before disappearing into the crowd he assured one last time that “I’ll be back!” to his close friends. The two only shook their heads in laughter probably thinking this guy hasn’t changed a bit.
Technically, the house was divided into groups of people. The twins would swing back and forth across all rooms. In the kitchen, there were the aunts and uncles asking if any of them had been dating anyone recently or would they want to be matched up. Aunt Hinami sure knows a lot of other singles willing to go on a date. Osamu says I’ll pass up on that. Atsumu repeatedly and respectfully says no to the offer and adds a couple of I’m really occupied with volleyball these days to make a more convincing argument.
Then, the living room was the space for their extended group of friends who happen to mingle easily with each other. Maybe from afar, this place could look like jock central with all the past and current athletes. But we all know there’s so much more to this dynamic flock than just a stereotype. The Black Jackals formed a larger circle but opened their ends to the Inarizaki alumni. Surprisingly, Akagi, Gin, and Hinata got along very well. Aran, Meian, Bokuto, and Ren happened to be big fans of the ongoing drama series on television. The theories have been stirring in that conversation. But more interestingly, Sakusa and Kita pleasantly hit it off. Considering how anti-social Sakusa is, this is something worth noting. But then again, this is Kita-san we're talking about, whose charisma is quite palpable.
By the time Atsumu was finally free from his parents and relatives, it was almost midnight and the countdown live on television was already starting. 10 minutes before midnight! The host excitedly announced. He took a glass of champagne to himself and smoothly made his way near Kita who was standing in the corner listening to the group talk.
“Hi, Kita-san.” He waved.
“‘Tsumu. Hello. Quite the party you have here.”
“Thank you. I’m happy you could come,” He paused. “Like really happy. I missed you.”
“Well, I missed you too, Atsumu. So how are you finding Osaka?” Shinsuke inquired.
Trying to recall how this past year has been for him, Atsumu stole a glance at his teammates. “Well, you know. Typical volleyball stuff. You train, you play against other teams, and you train again, lots of improvement, I guess. This stuff doesn’t get old, perhaps I still have some game in me.”
“That’s really good to hear, ‘Tsumu. Your teammates…they’re quite the group of people.”
“Ah. Them. Yes, yes. They are really just…” From across the room, Bokuto now is teaching Gin and Akagi some dance moves. The sounds of laughter liven up the entire house. Atsumu sighs, “the boisterous bunch but you know, they’re good people.”
“I can see that and I trust your judgment.” Kita took a sip in his drink before speaking. “I’m proud of you, Atsumu.”
5 minutes before midnight! It was like they were ignoring the rest of the world and right now, at this moment, it was only just the two of them. Never mind, the noisy crowd. Never mind, the passing of time. Never mind, everything. Atsumu thought, what else could I ever ask for? Kita is here with me, right in front of him like something is yet to be discovered, yet to be named and he cannot let go of this feeling. Not tonight, not ever.
3 minutes before midnight! They both know this. At this single moment, something is beginning and blossoming. Unlike everyone else in the room waiting for the year to end, what Kita and Atsumu have right now is a start at something else. But who’s going to take the first step?
Atsumu broke the silence first. “So, how’s it been on the farm?”
“Well, it's winter right now so we’re currently just waiting for the next season for the harvest. Other than that, it’s mostly just accounting and bookkeeping for now.”
“Osamu tells me you supply him rice for his shop! I keep missing my chances to catch you there.” He confessed.
1 minute before midnight!
“You should come by some time at the farm.”
“Really?!” Almost jumping, Atsumu beamed at Kita.
“Yes. You have my number right?”
30 seconds before midnight! Everyone else was suddenly standing up and cheering as one. Except for the two people.
“Can I see?” Atsumu nodded and showed his phone. “Oh wait. Tsumu, you got the last number wrong. It should be 3 instead of 5.” Well, that explains the unanswered texts. He quickly corrected the number and dialed in.
10 seconds before midnight! Shinsuke’s pocket vibrated with an unknown call. “That’s my number, Kita-san. Now, you can save it.”
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“I’m looking forward to visiting,” Atsumu said close to him.
7
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5
“I’m excited to have you there. I’m sure everyone’s going to love you.”
4
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1
Happy New Year, Japan! The host exclaimed on screen. And there was an explosion of confetti everywhere, graciously falling on the floor, of different colors and sizes. The crowd was jumping up and down and making all sorts of noise to welcome the new year. It was truly the celebration that everyone joined in.
“Happy New Year, Kita-san.”
“Happy New Year, Atsumu.”
They said to each other acknowledging the turn of events but still undisturbed from their moment. Atsumu looked like he was going to say something important but not until Osamu entered.
“‘Tsum. They’re asking for you again.” Atsumu wanted to punch his sibling for disturbing their moment. “Can you just tell them I’m busy?” He complained.
“Uh, no. They said it’s something important.” Atsumu frowned even more.
“I can chat with Kita-san and maybe we’ll join in with everyone but you need to go.” Osamu shooed and pushed his twin away.
“Wait, wait.” He stopped Osamu’s arm. “I still have something to say to Kita-san!”
“Well, what is it? Say it now.” With a teasing look, Osamu seemed to have dared his brother unexpectedly.
The words refused to come out of his mouth like an emptying bottle. His throat is dry and his courage is nowhere to be found. He looks like a moron, standing like that, Osamu thinks. Atsumu is looking back and forth between Osamu and Kita. All of the sudden, his cheeks flushed red. Oh, he’s embarrassed now.
“Not in front of you of course!” Lashing at his brother. “Kita-san, I’ll be back. I’ll be quick.”
“Don’t worry, ‘Tsumu. I’ll wait.” Shinsuke’s voice felt like all the assurance he ever needed.
Apparently, his parents were giving him his own apartment in Osaka. It looks like he won't be paying his rent anymore. Before handing him the keys, they made sure to give him an entire rundown of what the apartment will look like. It’s a two-bedroom, the other room being Osamu’s when he’s in the city, with a relatively spacious living area and kitchen. It’s located in a condominium close to the station so commuting won’t be a pain in the ass anymore. Also, they lectured him all about real estate and everything in between. It took them at least 30 minutes to hand the apartment to him.
Afterward, the guests slowly began to go home. His friends, at least half of them drunk and the other half assigned as the driver or the ones handling the inebriated bid their goodbyes and graces for the invitation. Their relatives promised to see them for whoever’s birthday is next in the family. They would like the twins to be present at the gathering. Osamu was tasked to drive their parents to their grandparent’s house where they will be staying for the night.
Atsumu was worried that Kita had already gone home. And although they set to visit the farm during the spring, it did seem like it was going to be a while. That’s not until March, the earliest. And tonight felt like, at least for him, one big moment for the both of them. He figured it would be a great time to finally say the feelings he’s been harboring over his captain since high school until now.
Crestfallen, he began to pick up the stray confetti and decorations hanging at their place. He collected the glasses of champagne lying around the house and brought them to the dishwasher.
Atsumu thought he was alone for the rest of the night but he heard footsteps coming from the restroom. He clutched his chest and repeated the words, this house isn't haunted. And then he saw Shinsuke emerge from the doorway.
“Kita-san?” He uttered in shock. “I thought you already went home.”
“I told you I would wait for you so I did.”
“About earlier…” He began. His heart began to throb.
“Don’t worry about it. It can wait.” Kita rolled up his sleeves to his elbows and untucked his shirt. He turned around and eventually gathered the remaining glasses and plates around the house.
“You don’t have to do this.” Atsumu tried to stop him but Kita was already fixing the plates in running water—unbothered.
I almost forgot Kita-san liked to keep things polished. Atsumu realized that if he can’t stop him, might as well help him. So he same as Kita, he folded up his sleeves and reached out for the cleaning gloves to wear. “I can wash with the soap and you can rinse it. Hmm?”
On the first day of the year, Atsumu and Kita are standing side by side, together by the sink with their elbows touching and shoulders brushing. Nothing but the sound of the water and the plates hitting each other. The party has ended and they’re still here. When everyone else had gone home, Kita stayed. Kita waited. Their silence sitting comfortably between them for words is the least important thing right now. It’s right now that matters the most. The present where Atsumu is beside Kita and Kita is beside Atsumu.
Right after the dishes, Atsumu unpinned the hanging decorations and put them in a box for next year. Kita began to sweep the floor. Soon enough, the house was cleaner.
“I can’t believe I let you clean the house with me. Is this your type of afterparty, Kita-san?”
“Well, I can’t really leave you to do it alone, can I?” Shinsuke retorted jokingly. “Also, don’t you think we’re past honorifics now, ‘Tsumu? You can call me Shin.”
“Okay, Shin.” The name felt so new in his mouth. “Shin, shin, shin.” He repeated as if he was trying to get used to the sound and feel of it.
“Okay, ‘Tsumu.” He said while mimicking him.
And there is it again, the same feeling from the moment earlier. Something heaving on Atsumu’s chests. Something that wants to escape. A thousand beating drums. Something restless. The feeling of running a hundred miles.
Acting on impulse, he leaned in closer to Kita's face and kissed him on the lips. So soft and so light. He pushed a little deeper. And trust me, this is the soberest he’s been.
By now, he would have expected Shin to push him away but he actually kissed him back. The person whom he had a crush on since their days in freshman volleyball. The person who made him feel cared for and loved even though he wasn’t sure it was a romantic one. Still, Kita has a big part in Atsumu's life.
Breathless, he broke the kiss and pulled away. He muttered under his breath, “A kiss for good luck.”
Unfortunately, Kita wasn’t able to hear him. “What was that?” He was also quite stunned by what just happened.
“I said, a kiss for good luck. You’re supposed to kiss someone on the new year for good luck for the rest of the year.” He tried to ramble his defense away.
“Was that what you were trying to say earlier? The one you couldn’t say in front of Osamu,”
Caught off guard, he continued to ramble.”No, uh, Yes, I mean— Yes, kind of.”
Kita tried to look him in the eye but Atsumu tried his best to look away.
Looking to his side, he started speaking, “What I was trying to say earlier was that thank you for being here. Not here, here but like thank you for being in my life.” Before saying the next words, he took a deep breath, “I’velovedyousincewewereinhighschoolandIthinkIloveyouevenmorenow.”
“Say that again?” Kita blinked.
“I’velovedyousincewewereinhighschoolandIthinkIloveyouevenmorenow.” He continued to run on his words.
“I’m sorry, ‘Tsumu. Can say that last part again, slower this time.”
“Okay. I said, ``I've loved you—” Stopping him between words, Kita pulled his face and kissed him on the lips to shut him up.
After the kiss, Kita spoke first. “I’m sorry. It just seemed to me you needed more luck than you thought you needed.”
Atsumu, not processing anything, kissed him again. He’s never been the happiest. “Once more for good measure.”
“‘Tsumu, I feel the same way. I’ve loved you since we were in high school and I think I love you even more now.”
He grabbed Kita’s hands and pulled him closer. “Is this real? This is not some sort of dream I’ll wake up from? Am I this lucky in real life?”
“No, ‘Tsumu. I’m very much real and here.”
“If that’s the case, would it be alright if I ask you to stay the night? ask you to stay forever?”
“Yes. It’s always a yes, ‘Tsumu.”
In hindsight, Atsumu thought it was quite unromantic of him to have his first kiss by the dishwashing station under a dim light way past midnight. But Kita thought it was a great memory for them to have and to keep. He would always remember the first night of the rest of their lives.